Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic

Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic is French philosopher Henri Bergson’s treatise on laughter and the timeless role of comedy in human society. Originally published in three parts in French in 1900 and translated into English in 1924, Bergson makes three essential observations about laughter and comedy. First, that comedy is a necessary human behavior and acts as a sort of caricature or parody of essential human activities and behaviors. Second, laughter is a cerebral function that requires an emotional detachment from the subject as it is hard to laugh at things that appear very important or serious. Finally, Bergson contends that laughter plays an important social function in both bringing people together and in setting some apart. This fascinating and thought-provoking examination of what makes us laugh and why it is an essential feature of human interaction is a compelling, quick read, and is a must for any aspiring comedian or humor writer. Anyone interested in a greater understanding of the importance and function of humor in human society will also find much of interest in this enduringly popular treatise. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper and follows the translation of Cloudesley Brereton and Fred Rothwell.